Department News

News, programs and updates from the Department of Oklahoma VFW Auxiliary

September 2026

< BACK TO NEWS ARCHIVES

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One: Serving America's Heroes

Every act of service matters, from a single donation to a helping hand. This September, discover how our individual efforts come together to make a meaningful difference for veterans, families, and our Auxiliary.

READ THE PRESIDENT"S MESSAGE

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

Compassionate Service

Compassionate service calls us to recognize the needs of others and respond with kindness, understanding, and love.

READ THE CHAPLAIN"S MESSAGE

Program news & updates

Extension & Revitalization

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

What is a Healthy Auxiliary?

Discover the five essential requirements every Auxiliary should meet and learn how the Healthy Auxiliary Tool Kit in MALTA can help with long-term success.

Hospital

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

Making a Difference Through Hospital Volunteering

Your time makes a difference! Learn how Hospital volunteers can earn National recognition, discover ways to serve our veterans, and supporting the Hospital Christmas Fund.

Membership

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Keeping Members Engaged & Growing Strong

Recruiting is only the beginning! Explore resources to help retain, engage, and recognize our members while remembering the value and importance of every ONE member.

Scholarships

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Scholarship & Contest Deadlines are Coming!

School is back, and scholarship season is underway! Start promoting Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen, and other opportunities now. Help ensure students and veterans don't miss these important deadlines.

VFW National Home

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

Guitars for Vets: Healing Through Music

Discover how Guitars for Vets brings healing, hope, and connection through music at the VFW National Home - and find creative ways your Auxiliary can help share its inspiring mission.

Americanism

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

Patriotism in Action This Month

September offers meaningful opportunities to celebrate patriotism, honor sacrifice, and serve our communities. Mark your calendars for Patriot Day, the VFW Auxiliary Birthday, and Gold Star Mother's & Family's Day.

Historian & Media Relations

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Preserving Our Auxiliary History

It's time to capture our Auxiliary history! Share your photos, preserve your memories, and start gathering the stories, people, and events that have shaped your Auxiliary through the years.

Legislative

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

Advocacy in Action: Help Move Bill

Advocacy works - every member can make a difference! Discover simple ways to help move Bill, amplify the voice of Oklahoma veterans, and turn "The Power of One" into advocacy in action.

President's Special Project

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Standing Strong for Our Veterans

Military service can leave lasting challenges long after the uniform comes off. Learn how Warriors for Freedom helps veterans reconnect and rebuild. Our efforts help fund the support and resources they need.

Veterans & Family Support

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

Stand Down is a GO! - Your Donations are Needed!

Stand Down may look different this year, but the need remains great! Move-in kits are desperately needed to provide formerly homeless veterans with household essentials and a fresh start in their new homes.

Youth Activities

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Patriotism Through Literacy

Put more books into the hands of young readers! From Auxiliary Lending Libraries and book donations to story hours and service projects, discover fun ways to encourage reading while connecting youth with patriotism and service.

Buddy Poppy

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Buddy Poppies™: Planting the Seeds of Service

Fall is the perfect time to share the Buddy Poppy™ story! Engage with local students and prepare your Fall Fest displays.

Fall Fest Conference

Oct 9, 2026

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Oct 11, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary

Department of Oklahoma

DEPARTMENT NEWS

News, programs and updates from the Department of Oklahoma VFW Auxiliary

September 2026

< BACK TO NEWS ARCHIVES

FROM OUR DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

Frank Matek

Department President

The Power of One: Serving America's Heroes

Every act of service matters, from a single donation to a helping hand. This September, discover how our individual efforts come together to make a meaningful difference for veterans, families, and our Auxiliary.

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

Angie Lacy

Department Chaplain

Compassionate Service

Compassionate service calls us to recognize the needs of others and respond with kindness, understanding, and love.

Program news & updates

Liz Hellams

|

Chief of Staff

What is a Healthy Auxiliary?

Discover the five essential requirements every Auxiliary should meet and learn how the Healthy Auxiliary Tool Kit in MALTA can help with long-term success.

Cheryl Campbell

|

Chairman

Making a Difference Through Hospital Volunteering

Your time makes a difference! Learn how Hospital volunteers can earn National recognition, discover ways to serve our veterans, and supporting the Hospital Christmas Fund.

Nick Plank

|

Chairman

Keeping Members Engaged & Growing Strong

Recruiting is only the beginning! Explore resources to help retain, engage, and recognize our members while remembering the value and importance of every ONE member.

Star Caudle

|

Chairman

Scholarship & Contest Deadlines are Coming!

School is back, and scholarship season is underway! Start promoting Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen, and other opportunities now. Help ensure students and veterans don't miss these important deadlines.

Jamie Newton

|

Chairman

Guitars for Vets: Healing Through Music

Discover how Guitars for Vets brings healing, hope, and connection through music at the VFW National Home - and find creative ways your Auxiliary can help share its inspiring mission.

Pearl Gary

|

Chairman

Patriotism in Action This Month

September offers meaningful opportunities to celebrate patriotism, honor sacrifice, and serve our communities. Mark your calendars for Patriot Day, the VFW Auxiliary Birthday, and Gold Star Mother's & Family's Day.

Iva Spurlock

|

Chairman

Preserving Our Auxiliary History

It's time to capture our Auxiliary history! Share your photos, preserve your memories, and start gathering the stories, people, and events that have shaped your Auxiliary through the years.

Angie Lacy

|

Chairman

Advocacy in Action: Help Move Bill

Advocacy works - every member can make a difference! Discover simple ways to help move Bill, amplify the voice of Oklahoma veterans, and turn "The Power of One" into advocacy in action.

Norma Musgrove

|

Chairman

Standing Strong for Our Veterans

Military service can leave lasting challenges long after the uniform comes off. Learn how Warriors for Freedom helps veterans reconnect and rebuild. Our efforts help fund the support and resources they need.

Sandy Bassett

|

Chairman

Stand Down is a GO! - Your Donations are Needed!

Stand Down may look different this year, but the need remains great! Move-in kits are desperately needed to provide formerly homeless veterans with household essentials and a fresh start in their new homes.

Teresa Price

|

Chairman

Patriotism Through Literacy

Put more books into the hands of young readers! From Auxiliary Lending Libraries and book donations to story hours and service projects, discover fun ways to encourage reading while connecting youth with patriotism and service.

Chris Horne

|

Chairman

Buddy Poppies™: Planting the Seeds of Service

Fall is the perfect time to share the Buddy Poppy™ story! Engage with local students and prepare your Fall Fest displays.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fall Fest Conference

Oct 9, 2026